Page 114 of American Royalty

Finally aware of the scrutiny, she placed her hand in his and followed him onto the floor.

He slid an arm around her and cupped her upper back while she placed her hand on his shoulder. He wished he could drop his hand lower, pull her closer, and press his cheek against her hair, but this was the best he could do and have them both remain scandal-free. Their bodies fell into the perfect off-center position, and he led her in a standard waltz around the space.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

They moved together effortlessly, and after a few moments everyone else faded away until it was just the two of them and the music. Her hair had been styled in an updo, with tendrils framing her face and feathering against her neck and bare collarbone.

“You seem to be enjoying yourself,” she said, her gaze over his right shoulder.

He inhaled. She smelled amazing. “I do?”

“Yes. With Lady Imogen. Were you reminiscing about old times?”

“No. We discussed the celebration.”

“How long did you two date?”

The soulful cocoon he’d imagined vanished.

He frowned. Why were they talking about Imogen? Especially when he’d spent most of his time with the other woman thinking about Dani. “Six months, maybe.”

He wished she would look at him, but she insisted on focusing on some point over his shoulder.

“Why did you break up?”

His chest tightened. What was with the bloody third degree? “For the same reason I imagine many people do. We wanted different things in life.”

At that, she looked at him. “What did—”

“What about you?” he asked, his reservoir of patience tapped out. “Did you know Cooper before today?”

Her brow furrowed. “Liam? Of course. We’re with the same label and we’ve performed together several times.”

“And did you date him?”

“Why would you ask me—” She broke off and took a deep breath, her breasts pushing against the confines of her bodice. “No, we never dated, although the tabloids have suggested we’re dating now. We were just talking. Being polite. It’s what you do at dinner parties.”

“Polite? When I came in earlier you two were very chummy.”

“Because we know each other. And we’re both out of our element and it’s good to see a friendly, familiar face.”

The tension in his chest eased. “That’s how it was with Imogen.”

“Oh no, that’s different. I never dated Liam, but you dated Imogen for six months.”

They needed to continue their conversation somewhere private. “Let’s—”

The music stopped and Louisa handed Marina a microphone.

Dani’s withdrawal was tangible. She crossed her arms. “You’re up.”

Goddammit!

Meeting Louisa’s eye, he nodded, but he squeezed Dani’s elbow and said, “Don’t go anywhere. Please. I won’t be long.”

He couldn’t risk looking to see if she’d granted his request. Not with everyone in the room watching him. Flicking the cuffs of his jacket, he strode over to where the queen stood on a slightly raised dais and took his place next to her. Then she began to speak.